Unsure about which cap type you need? CLICK HERE to view our guide about cap types and LED light bulbs with information about retrofit versus integrated LED downlights.

Downlight Type

Recessed downlights are available in different types such as fixed, adjustable and bathroom (IP65).

Fixed downlights shine the light in one direction which is straight down. Adjustable downlights allow you to direct the light onto a specific object or area of the room. IP65 downlights are used in bathrooms but many modern integrated LED downlights are now IP65 as standard meaning they can be used anywhere!

There are many other variations of these such as adjustable IP65 downlights etc. CLICK HERE for more information.

In any building where people maybe living or inhabiting above, the ceiling below must be fire rated. Fire rated downlights are used to restore the fire integrity of a ceiling.

Insulation Coverable

In order to achieve Part L Compliance (energy efficiency) you shouldn't cut around thermal insulation. If you do this your home or building will not be energy efficient as valuable heat will escape through the hole of the downlight. A downlight can act like a chimney and draw out warm, rising air from a room, up into the cold space above, the effect would be worse in upper floors containing lofts.

Insulation coverable downlights allow you to place thermal insulation directly on top of them.

Colour Temperature

Unlike halogens, LED’s are available in various colour temperatures. Colour temperature is a measurement of appearance not brightness

Choosing the right one can have a dramatic effect on a room. Here is a brief description of the main three:

2700K - Extra warm white. This is similar to a traditional GLS light bulb or halogen. Not all LEDs are available in this colour temperature. This is often referred to as ‘soft white’.

3000K - Warm white is clearer in appearance but still quite warm. This is the ‘new norm’ for general lighting and is the most popular option. If you’re unsure I’d recommend trying this one.

4000K - Cool white is much clearer in appearance and more frequently used in commercial locations. Cool white appears brighter than warm white as the LED is covered in less phosphor. It can make a room appear cold and clinical but can make a room appear clean and ultra modern.

Beam Angle

Every light source from an LED to a simple wax candle has got a beam angle. A beam angle is a measurement of how the light is distributed. GU10 LEDs and recessed downlights have a fairly narrow beam of around 40 degrees, anything within 5 degrees of this is the industry standard.

A wax candle or traditional light bulb would have a beam angle of 360 degrees as the light shines all the way around but is less intense.

Dimmable

Most lights such as halogen are dimmable as standard but some LEDs are available in dimmable or cheaper non dimmable versions. In the near future all LEDs will be dimmable as standard but the time time being you can save a bit of money by selecting non dimmable if you don't plan to dim them.

Some integrated LED downlights are available in fixed versions that are dimmable or non dimmable but the matching adjustable version is only available in dimmable.

Wattage

Wattage represents the energy consumption of an electrical product. It doesn't always represent the brightness!

Ideally you want a lower energy LED that produces the most amount of lumens. Lumens represents brightness and is a unit that can be compared between different light sources like halogen or CFL versus LED for example.

Downlights – Fire Rated Downlights & Non Fire RatedIf you are searching for quality downlights, then you have come to the right place. Here at Downlights.co.uk we sell fantastic lighting solutions for homes and businesses, and you can find out all the information you need about these lights, including whether they are fire rated downlights or non-fire rated.What is the Difference?When choosing downlights it is important to know whether you want fire rated downlights or non-fire rated. Fire rated downlights are used widely to restore a ceiling’s fire integrity. This is linked to the fact that cutting a hole in a ceiling for a light can cause a fire hazard. Such a hole can allow fire to pass through it, meaning a fire could spread further than if no such holes existed. Fire rated downlights take this potential hazard into consideration and they seal the hole to prevent and slow the spread of fire.So of course, non-fire rated downlights are those that don’t create such a seal, and which are thus potentially more dangerous if a fire was to occur. Fire rated lights would slow the burning of a building and give inhabitants more time to escape, which could be vital.Buy Fire Rated and Non-Fire Rated Downlights OnlineHere at Downlights.co.uk we offer a range of top quality fire rated downlights which cost just a little more than non-fire rated ones. The choice is yours and either type is available to you right here, so shop online today.Fire rated downlights only cost a little bit more than none fire rated and most electrical contractors will only install downlights that are fire rated. You can order fully fire rated downlights or add a fire hood or loft cap to non fire rated ones.

LED downlights are a clean, environmentally friendly, low energy alternative to halogen. Halogens are addicted to energy and waste around 90% of it in heat, that's why the same technology can be used in heaters.

The European Commission (EC) has ruled that directional halogen lamps such as the popular GU10 cap will be banned from September 2016. This has also happened with other halogen style lamps such as GLS light bulbs and candles. This leaves LED as your only viable alternative.

With this ban now in place, many more consumers will need to upgrade their halogens to LED downlights. At Downlights.co.uk we offer a large selection of GU10 and integrated LED downlights from the UK's leading brands. We can offer expert advice and help you choose the best options for you.

Which Downlight?

LED downlights are changing all the time as the technology is still developing with many brands bring out their own versions and the market leaders like Halers, Aurora and JCC bringing out new and improved ones.

If you can't decide which downlight to choose or want to know more about LED downlights? Check out our guide below which explains some of the terminologies and phrases used on this site and compares some of the UK's market leaders:

Building Regulations & Further Information

To find out further technical information about fire rated downlights including information about Building Regulations CLICK HERE.